Peter Carpenter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Carpenter
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| Born | 6 December 1891 Cardiff, Wales |
| Died | 21 March 1971 (aged 79) Golders Green, Middlesex, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1915–1918 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Public Schools Royal Fusiliers No. 45 Squadron RAF No. 66 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Military Cross & Bar Bronze Medal for Military Valour (Italy) |
Peter Carpenter (born December 6, 1891 – died March 21, 1971) was a brave Welsh pilot. He was a fighter ace during World War I, meaning he shot down 24 enemy aircraft! He was known for his amazing flying skills.
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Early Life and Rugby Star
Peter Carpenter was born in Cardiff, Wales. He was one of nine children. His father, also named Peter, was a ship's pilot. He owned his own boat and worked in the Bristol Channel.
Peter went to the National School in Grange Town, Cardiff. He left school when he was 14 years old. He was a fantastic rugby union player at school. After school, he worked for a printer. At 17, he became a clerk for Spillers & Baker Company. Later, he became a representative for them in Stockport.
Joining the Army
In 1915, Peter joined the Public Schools Royal Fusiliers. He became an instructor for new soldiers. He continued to play rugby for his battalion's team.
He went to France as a sergeant in November 1915. He played rugby for this new battalion too. But he broke his leg during a game. After his injury, he returned home. From there, he joined the Royal Flying Corps in March 1917. This was the start of his flying career.
Becoming a Pilot
Peter began learning to fly with 5 Reserve Squadron. His very first flight was on March 21, 1917. He flew by himself (soloed) on April 7. This was after only five hours of training with an instructor.
He then moved on to more advanced training. He had a small crash on June 11 due to engine trouble. Luckily, he was not hurt. He finished his training with 84 hours of flying time. On September 14, 1917, he joined 45 Squadron. He was assigned to fly a Sopwith Camel, a famous fighter plane.
First Air Battles
On September 20, Peter spotted four enemy Albatros D.V planes. He bravely dove down on them near Ypres, Belgium. He fired at one plane, forcing it to go down. After a short fight, he left the area.
He quickly became an ace by November 15. This means he had destroyed five enemy aircraft.
Fighting in Italy
45 Squadron then moved to the Italian Front. Peter went with them. He destroyed three more enemy planes in January 1918. After his eighth victory, he went home for a break.
When he returned, he joined 66 Squadron. He became a "B Flight" leader on February 27. He celebrated his first day as a leader with his ninth victory!
On March 30, 1918, Peter's flight was in a big battle. This fight led to Alan Jerrard winning the Victoria Cross. Peter claimed one of the six enemy planes destroyed in this battle.
Overall, Peter Carpenter was credited with 24 victories. He destroyed 15 planes by himself. He shared in destroying 2 others. He also forced 7 planes to go "out of control."
Military Awards
Peter Carpenter received several important awards for his bravery.
- Military Cross (MC)
This award was for his great courage. He shot down six enemy planes in three months. Four of these crashed, and two were forced out of control. His daring flying skills led to many successes.
- Bar to Military Cross
This was an extra award for his Military Cross. He led his patrol against seven enemy planes, destroying three. Another time, he led three planes against six enemies. They destroyed two and forced one out of control. Later, with two other pilots, he fought twelve enemy planes. They destroyed three and forced one out of control. He shot down several planes himself.
- Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
This award was for his outstanding courage. He destroyed nine enemy planes and forced three out of control. He led 46 offensive patrols. On one mission, he attacked twelve enemy aircraft. Another time, he led two planes against nineteen enemies, destroying six of them. He was always a magnificent example to others.
- Bronze Medal for Military Valour
The government of Italy also gave him this medal.
Life After the War
After World War I, Peter Carpenter started his own shipping company. But it struggled during the Great Depression. This was a time when many businesses faced hard times.
He then became a general manager for the Metropolitan Life Company of New York in London. This company was later taken over by Legal & General. Peter stayed with the company until he retired. During World War II, he served in the Home Guard. This was a defense organization in the United Kingdom.
Peter Carpenter passed away on March 21, 1971.
